The Energy Saving Trust says that the deadline for applications for councils to apply for e-cargo funding has been extended until March 27.

Available for e-cargo bikes operating in England only, the scheme is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Energy Saving Trust.

Local authorities are invited to bid for up to £200,000 each, with a total of £1.2 million available.

The money can be used to support up to 100% of the cost of e-cargo bikes operating in for local businesses, as well as to fund e-cargo bikes for use within local authority fleets.

Tim Anderson, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “There has been considerable interest from local authorities in the e-cargo bike grant fund.

“A recent webinar supporting applications to the fund was oversubscribed and it became clear there is significant demand. With up to £200,000 available to each successful authority, we believe the extended deadline of March 27 will enable sufficient time for a greater number of strong applications.

“We welcome a broad range of submissions exploring the implementation of e-cargo bikes as a low carbon transport solution.

“E-cargo bikes are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering significant benefits which include fuel cost savings and improving air quality in our towns and cities.”

Gary Armstrong, training manager for the European Cycle Logistics Federation, added: “We welcome the extension of the deadline and encourage local authorities to consider how e-cargo bikes could be implemented in their region.

“The scheme has potential to facilitate businesses to fully explore the implementation of e-cargo bikes across a wide range of uses. In addition, they help reduce congestion in urban areas and can play a valuable part in reducing carbon emissions on England’s roads.”

Energy Saving Trust will assess applications in April 2020, with grant offer letters distributed by the end of May 2020.

Local authorities will have six months from the time the grant offer letter is issued to drawdown the funding.

Funding is only available to local authorities implementing e-cargo bikes in England but Scottish and Welsh authorities can apply if they meet this criteria.

The eCargo Bike Grant Fund eligibility criteria, code of practice and application forms are available from here.